FIFA World Cup 2002. Debutant Senegal pull off one of the biggest World Cup shocks ever, as they hand a 1-0 defeat to the then defending champions France. And sixteen years later in India’s premier league football tournament I-League this season, history has repeated itself.
Debutant Real Kashmir FC have stunned defending champion Minerva Punjab 1-0 at Tau Lal Stadium in Chandigarh on Wednesday.

Coming into the debut match as underdogs against the defending champion and the favourites for the match Minerva Punjab FC, Real Kashmir FC proved all football pundits wrong, scoring an impressive 1-0 win over Minerva FC. Real Kashmir FC scored the only goal of the game, coming through Ivorian striker Gnohere Krizo’s in the 74th minute. Krizo gave no chance to the rival goalkeeper to stop the ball that was travelling at lightning speed. Even though the game was a tight affair, it was Real Kashmir FC’s resolve to make its debut in style that prevailed, winning it in the end.
Real Kashmir FC goalkeeper Bilal Khan, for some outstanding saves was awarded ‘Man of the Match’.
The first professional football team from the valley of Kashmir to make it to top flight football in the country, Real Kashmir FC within a span of just two years have already consolidated itself as one of the tough football clubs to reckon with. And the debut win has further reinforced it.
Having won against the defending champions, Real Kashmir FC are all set to push for another upset as they take on Goan giants Churchill Brothers in their first home match at TRC astroturf ground, Srinagar on November 6.